Plant guide:ðą Mint
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â MinorSmall perforated holes across mint leaves ïŋ― the classic 'shotgun' damage pattern of flea beetle feeding.
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Pests
Flea Beetles on Mint Leaves
Commonly affects: Mentha spicata, Mentha piperita (Mint)
Numerous small, round holes appear scattered across leaves, giving them a distinctive 'shotgun' perforated appearance. Tiny, fast-moving dark beetles jump away when the plant is disturbed.
Potential Causes
- 1Flea beetle adults feeding on foliage, most active in warm, dry spring weather
- 2Nearby weeds or related plants harbouring beetle populations
- 3Stressed or weakened plants being more susceptible to heavier feeding damage
Solution Steps
- 1Use a floating row cover over young plants during peak flea beetle season to physically exclude them.
- 2Apply diatomaceous earth or a pyrethrin-based spray for active, heavier infestations.
- 3Keep the surrounding area free of weeds that can harbour overwintering beetles.
- 4Keep plants well-watered and healthy, since vigorous growth tolerates flea beetle damage better than stressed plants.
Prevention Tip
Use row covers proactively in early spring when flea beetles are most active, rather than waiting for visible shotgun damage to appear.
